Ralph Lauren quietly shuttered its two-year-old 20,000-square-foot store last week. Other brands are expected to close boutiques in a city that has lost its luster for cash-rich mainland Chinese tourists.

Google may be taking a page from eBay’s recent foray into exclusive collections with designers, if a certain anonymous fashion tweeter is to be believed.

GOOGLE AS RETAILER?: Google may be taking a page from eBay’s recent foray into exclusive collections with designers, if a certain anonymous fashion tweeter is to be believed. “Breaking news: Google is launching an ecommerce site with shop in shops by major designers #google #theyrgonnabepissed #geturshopon” went the tweet from @NoBtotheS.

This could explain why the search company is planning a big bash in New York Wednesday night with retailers, designers and other fashion industry insiders, including a performance by the Misshapes.

A Google spokeswoman said, “We are hosting an exclusive fashion party to celebrate our partners. We don’t have further details to share.”

— Cate T. Corcoran

THIRTYSOMETHING: Madame Figaro is turning 30 — and not without a slew of celebratory issues. A fashion-themed issue, due out Saturday, features Paris style icon Inès de la Fressange, photographed by Gilles Bensimon, on the cover. The photo shoot, entitled “Le Style Absolue,” has accompanying text in which de la Fressange discusses the evolution of fashion and her favorite moments from the past 30 years. The weekly magazine also features a photo shoot by Kate Barry (daughter of Jane Birkin), who captured 14 Madame Figaro readers in model poses.

WWD's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide is brought to you by @styleontherise and is complete with the perfect presents for everyone on your list. Click the link in our bio to start shopping NOW. #WWDHoliday #Sponsored

@rebeccaminkoff is bringing self-checkout to high fashion: The brand has partnered with @queuehop to bring its customers self-checkout options, beginning this holiday season at its SoHo store. (📷: @aurorarosephoto)